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Science & Innovation

Ruby Hirose

Lauded Japanese American scientist

Biochemist and bacteriologist Ruby Hirose researched serums and antitoxins at the William S. Merrell Laboratories. In 1940, Hirose was among ten women recognized by the American Chemical Society for accomplishments in chemistry, and later made major contributions to the development of vaccines against infantile paralysis.

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The Smithsonian Institution Archives welcomes personal and educational use of its collections unless otherwise noted. For commercial uses, please contact photos@si.edu
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Ruby Hirose

Subject
Hirose, Ruby
William S. Merrell Laboratories
American Chemical Society
Summary
Biochemist and bacteriologist Ruby Hirose researched serums and antitoxins at the William S. Merrell Laboratories. In 1940, Hirose was among ten women recognized by the American Chemical Society for accomplishments in chemistry, and later made major contributions to the development of vaccines against infantile paralysis. The original caption to this photograph read: "A hay fever sufferer herself, Dr. R. Hirose, American-born Japanese girl scientist on the research staff of the Wm. S. Merrell biological laboratories, has found a way to improve the pollen extracts used to 'desensitize' hay fever sufferers. ... The idea of treating the pollen with alum to increase its effectiveness developed while Dr. Hirose was working on alum-precipitated toxoid for protection against diphtheria.
Cite as
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 90-105, Science Service Records, Image No. SIA2008-3224
Repository Loc.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520
Local number
SIA Acc. 90-105 [SIA2008-3224]
Restrictions & Rights
No access restrictions Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu
Copyright Not Evaluated
Type
Black-and-white photographs
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Topic
Biochemistry
Allergy
Women scientists
Record ID
siris_arc_297429
Usage of Metadata (Object Detail Text)
CC0

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